K-pop boy group Seventeen donated $250,000 to UNESCO on August 12 to mark International Youth Day, their agency, Pledis Entertainment, announced Wednesday.
The donation, raised through the "JOOPITER presents: sacai x Seventeen" charity auction, will bolster UNESCO's Global Youth Grant Scheme, a joint program funding youth-led projects worldwide.
The auction, held this summer in collaboration with Japanese fashion house sacai and digital platform JOOPITER (founded by artist-producer Pharrell Williams), featured limited-edition leather jackets designed with input from members, autographed T-shirts, collectible "Labubu" blind boxes, and custom necklaces created alongside designer Yoon Ahn. Revenue from the sale of these items was fully allocated to UNESCO's youth initiatives.
Seventeen has served as UNESCO's first Goodwill Ambassador for Youth since June 2024. Upon accepting the ambassadorship, the 13-member group pledged $1 million to establish the Going Together – For Youth Creativity and Well-Being program, which has supported 100 teams of young people in self-initiated community projects.
The latest donation will extend that effort by strengthening the Global Youth Grant Scheme, which provides grants to emerging leaders aged 18 to 30 tackling issues from education access and environmental sustainability to arts and culture.
Joshua, speaking on behalf of the group, said, "Since debut, we have grown by expressing the colorful moments of youth through music infused with our genuine experiences and emotions, which makes the meaning of International Youth Day all the more special to us. We send a message of support to all young people around the world who are pursuing their dreams."
Seventeen's partnership with UNESCO dates back to November 2023, when the group became the first K-pop act invited to address and perform at the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum held alongside the organization's General Assembly in Paris. Their speech and performance at UNESCO headquarters drew international attention and underscored the group's commitment to empowering global youth.
Pledis Entertainment noted that UNESCO will use the $250,000 donation to identify and support innovative youth-driven projects, aiming to foster leadership, creativity, and social engagement among young people. The funds will be administered through UNESCO's existing youth networks and grant-selection committees, ensuring transparent and effective distribution.
Meanwhile, Seventeen will have their "Seventeen World Tour [NEW_]" on September 13–14 at Incheon Asiad Main Stadium, with subsequent stops in Hong Kong, five U.S. cities in October, and four major Japanese domes from November through December. As the group continues to expand its global reach through music, its philanthropic work with UNESCO highlights an enduring commitment to inspiring and uplifting the next generation.
